How to Report Online Crime

You should be as careful with your online security as you are with your security at home. If you are the victim of an online crime, you should report it to the SAPS at a police station. A cybercrime, such as online fraud, is still a crime, and must be reported in the same way as any crime that may need to be investigated:

Draft an affidavit (sworn statement) which identifies you, the person who has committed a crime (if known) and the relevant facts.

Include a clear statement that you require the matter to be investigated further.

Take this to your closest police station to lay a charge. Ask for the matter to be referred to the cybercrime division.

Make sure you obtain a reference (CAS) number and the details of the duty detective so that you can follow up.

It is important to follow up continuously while being patient and polite – realise it may be up to you to ensure action is taken.

ISPA has published a more detailed advisory on this topic.If you don’t want to report a crime, but wish to report possible online fraud, or suspicious activity, you can log a query with the national Cybersecurity Hub.If you want to report a problem web site that is hosted by an ISPA member, you might be considering a take-down notice.